The "First Registration Vehicle Status" (thereafter the "vehicle status") is a description shown on the vehicle registration document for all vehicles registered in Hong Kong. The Transport Department (TD) will revise the categorisation and description of "vehicle status" with effect from 2 January 2019 with a view to providing more objective information in respect of the status of vehicles upon first registration for reference by vehicle owners and potential vehicle buyers.

After considering the views from relevant stakeholders and taking reference of the practices adopted in some overseas jurisdictions, the TD will adopt the following categorisation on vehicles upon first registration starting from 2 January 2019 –

Categorisation of "vehicle status" for vehicles first registered before 2 January 2019 Categorisation of "vehicle status" from 2 January 2019 onwards
(i) "Brand New Vehicle"

(ii) "Imported Used Vehicle"

A – prior to importation into Hong Kong for sale, the vehicle has either never been registered outside Hong Kong, or was registered outside Hong Kong but in a manner that the vehicle was not permitted to be used on roads, with documentary proof.

B – prior to importation into Hong Kong for sale, the vehicle has never been registered outside Hong Kong as declared by the vehicle importer.

C1 – the vehicle has been registered outside Hong Kong prior to importation to Hong Kong for sale. The length of the period of such registration is shorter than 15 days as proved by supporting documents.

C2 – the vehicle has been registered outside Hong Kong prior to importation to Hong Kong for sale, other than vehicles categorised as C1.
(iii) "Home Delivery Vehicle" D – the vehicle was imported by the registered owner into Hong Kong for own use.
(iv) "Locally Assembled Vehicle" E – the vehicle was assembled in Hong Kong with specified additions to the imported chassis / cab and chassis.
(v) "Auctioned Vehicle" F – the vehicle was acquired through auction from the Hong Kong SAR Government.

The revised "vehicle status" will provide factual description on the vehicles upon first registration prior to importation to Hong Kong, e.g. whether the vehicle had been registered outside Hong Kong. It neither indicates nor implies the condition of use of the vehicle or its level of wear-and-tear.

For enquiries, please call Hong Kong Licensing Office of the TD at 2804 2634 or the enquiry hotline at 2804 2600.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Why does the TD introduce the revised first registration vehicle status ("vehicle status")? What are the benefits for the general public?
A1 There have been public feedbacks that the existing categorisation and description of "vehicle status" upon first registration may not objectively reflect the status of the vehicle, and the terms adopted for describing the first registration vehicle status, such as "Brand New Vehicle" or "Imported Used Vehicle" may be subject to different interpretations. After considering the views from relevant stakeholders, and taking reference of the practices adopted in some overseas jurisdictions, the TD has decided to introduce the revised "vehicle status" with effect from 2 January 2019. Under the revised "vehicle status", the vehicle registration document will contain objective information in respect of the vehicle upon first registration which facilitate the public, in particular the vehicle owners and potential buyers, in evaluating the actual status of the vehicles and making an informed decision on vehicle purchase.
   
Q2 Upon the implementation of revised vehicle status, how will the "vehicle status" be shown on the vehicle registration document?
A2 For vehicles first registered on or after 2 January 2019, the First Registration Vehicle Status on the vehicle registration document will be represented by alphabet and number (i.e. A/ B/ C1/ C2/ D/ E/ F) with the notes printed overleaf.
   
Q3 I own a vehicle first registered before 2 January 2019. Do I need to replace the vehicle registration document so that the vehicle is categorised with the revised vehicle status?
A3 No. For the vehicles registered before the implementation of the revised "vehicle status", their status shown in the vehicle registration document will remain unchanged.
   
Q4 For the status of A and B, the vehicles have "never been registered outside Hong Kong". What are the differences?
A4 For Status A, documentary proof(s), such as certification issued by the authorized organization at the exporting place or supporting documents showing that the vehicle was directly acquired by the registered distributor/importer from the manufacturer for sale, will be provided by the registered distributor, indicating that the vehicle has never been registered outside Hong Kong, or was registered outside Hong Kong but in a manner that the vehicle was not permitted to be used on roads. For Status B, while such documentary proof is not provided, a statutory declaration under the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance (Cap.11) will be made by the vehicle importer to declare that the vehicle has never been registered outside Hong Kong.
   
Q5 For vehicles being categorised as Status A or B, are they regarded as "brand new vehicles"? Are vehicles of Status C1 or C2 regarded as "imported used vehicle"?
A5 No. Under the revised vehicle status, only factual descriptions of vehicles upon first registration prior to importation to Hong Kong will be provided, e.g. whether the vehicle had been registered outside Hong Kong, and it neither indicates nor implies the condition of use of the vehicle or its level of wear-and-tear.
   
Q6 Will the revised "vehicle status" affect the taxable value of a vehicle and the first registration tax payable?
A6 No. The "vehicle status" is accorded by the TD when processing the first registration applications while the taxable value of a vehicle is assessed by the Customs and Excise Department ("C&ED") before the first registration application is submitted to the TD. Therefore, the C&ED will NOT consider the "vehicle status" when assessing the taxable value of a motor vehicle.